Our Story
Our Story
It all started with a dream in 1920.....
Gorrell Bros. Auctioneers & Real Estate LLC traces its roots back to the 1920s when Jesse Don Gorrell and his brother Keith Gorrell began auctioneering and facilitating real estate transactions throughout Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana. During a time when auctions were the primary method of selling livestock, farm equipment, land, and personal property, the Gorrell brothers built their business on honesty, hard work, and the ability to bring buyers and sellers together.
Jesse Don, who also taught school, often received “for sale” notices from local barber shops throughout the region before traveling from town to town conducting auctions. The Gorrell name quickly became recognized throughout communities in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan for trusted service and successful auctions.
Keith became well known throughout the region and often jokingly referred to himself as the “World’s Largest Auctioneer,” a nickname inspired by his larger-than-life personality. Following Keith’s untimely passing, Jesse Don continued operating the business and laying the foundation for generations to come.
Throughout the following decades, the Gorrell name became synonymous with auctions and real estate across Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana. Auctions became community gatherings, and the business continued to grow through repeat clientele and word-of-mouth referrals.
Known for fairness, integrity, and results, the Gorrell family helped generations of families buy and sell farmland, homes, livestock, farm equipment, and personal property.
Jesse Don’s sons, F.B. “Chuck” Gorrell and Clifford “Cliff” Gorrell, continued expanding the family business into the real estate industry.
Chuck operated a real estate and auction office in Hicksville, Ohio, while Cliff began selling real estate and conducting auctions throughout the Paulding County area in the early 1950s. While employed at Weatherhead in Antwerp, Cliff operated the business out of a small office at his home in Paulding before eventually transitioning into full-time real estate and auctioneering.
During this era, Cliff created the company slogan that would become recognized throughout the region: "We Sell the Earth & Everything on It."
In the 1970s, Cliff’s son Larry D. Gorrell joined the family business, representing the next generation of leadership. Larry later acquired and operated the Hicksville office established by Uncle Chuck while continuing to expand operations throughout Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.
In 1978, Cliff suffered a major heart attack requiring a heart transplant. During this difficult time, Larry stepped in to help lead daily operations and continue growing the company, marking the beginning of a new era for Gorrell Bros.
By the mid-1980s, Larry introduced a more modern and customer-friendly auction environment by conducting indoor auctions. During this time, Gorrell Bros. operated auctions out of the old movie theater in downtown Paulding, creating memorable events that drew crowds from throughout the region.
In 1990, Gorrell Bros. constructed a large indoor auction facility on the north edge of Paulding, Ohio, allowing the company to host larger auctions and better serve its growing client base.
In 1994, the company established its permanent office and auction headquarters on North Williams Street in Paulding, Ohio. This milestone strengthened the company’s presence within the community while providing expanded services for auctions, real estate, and client operations.
As the industry evolved, so did Gorrell Bros. The company expanded into residential, agricultural, and commercial real estate while continuing to grow its auction division.
Appraisal services were added to provide professional valuation services for lending institutions, estates, legal matters, and financial planning. Larry also expanded the company’s reach into Indiana after obtaining his Indiana real estate broker license.
Throughout this period, Gorrell Bros. continued building a reputation as one of the region’s trusted names in real estate, auctions, and appraisal services.
Entering the modern era, Gorrell Bros. embraced technology and innovative marketing strategies while remaining committed to the values the company was founded upon.
Professional photography, drone videography, online advertising, social media marketing, and digital auctions became key components of the business. By combining modern tools with personal relationships and local expertise, the company continued reaching new audiences while maintaining the personalized service clients had trusted for generations.
In 2026,
As the company entered its next generation of leadership, Gorrell Bros. also began a new chapter by returning to its roots in downtown Paulding. In 2026, the company announced the relocation of its offices to 112 North Water Street in downtown Paulding, Ohio.
The move marked an exciting step forward for the future of the business while honoring the company’s long-standing connection to the Paulding community. The new office reflects Gorrell Bros.’ continued commitment to growth, professionalism, innovation, and personalized service while remaining deeply rooted in the values that have guided the company for more than a century.
From a small-town auction business started in the 1920s to a fifth-generation real estate, auction, and appraisal firm, Gorrell Bros. continues building upon a legacy of trust, hard work, and community leadership.
Today, Gorrell Bros. Auctioneers & Real Estate continues as a fifth-generation family business, proudly serving Paulding County and the surrounding region. With over a century of experience, the company offers a full range of services including real estate sales, auctions, and appraisals. Built on a foundation of trust, hard work, and innovation, Gorrell Bros. continues its mission. Whether yo are looking to buy or sell, call our office today.
Gorrell Bros. Co-Founder
"We Sell the Earth & Everything On It."
Clifford A. Gorrell was a visionary leader and co-founder of Gorrell Bros., a company that has become a cornerstone in the auction and real estate industry. With deep roots in the values of hard work, integrity, and community service, Clifford transformed the company in in the early 1950s alongside his brother, Floyd B. “Chuck” Gorrell, guiding it into a new era as a combined real estate and auction firm headquartered in Paulding, Ohio. Clifford helped coined the phrase “We Sell the Earth & Everything On It,” our motto we still use today. Born with a natural aptitude for leadership and a passion for helping people achieve their dreams, Clifford was known for his hands-on approach and dedication to quality service. Under his stewardship, Gorrell Bros. earned a reputation for excellence, becoming a trusted name across Ohio and beyond. Clifford’s legacy is one of growth, community connection, and a relentless pursuit of service, paving the way for future generations to carry on his dream. His work not only expanded the company’s reach but also left an indelible impact on the communities he served.
Clifford A. Gorrell
Gorrell Bros. Co-Founder
